Computer keyboard displaying many operating instructions with few keys

ABSTRACT

The number of keys on a keyboard are reduced by employing the decimal point key as a control key when stroked the second time in the entry of a decimal number word. This eliminates the need for a key standard in the computer arts which is either designated as an &#34;enter&#34; key or as an &#34;=&#34; key depending upon the computer arithmetic process. It thereby becomes possible to use only twelve keys on a keyboard to control a modern computer with the order of 133 built-in programs or execution commands. This is done by providing in addition to ten decimal keys 0 to 9 and the decimal point key one additional control or execute key which initiates a two or more sequential key program step select mode in which any of the twelve keys are then stroked to designate a particular execution command. An accompanying graphic display of the various execution choices available makes the keyboard usable without necessity of frequent consultation of an instruction manual.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to computer keyboards and more particularly itrelates to a system which significantly increases the utility of thedecimal point key and the identification of large numbers of operatinginstructions with a few manually actuated keys.

BACKGROUND ART

A variety of hand held computers are available in the art as shown forexample in catalogs from firms such as Personal Computer Products, Inc.,P.O. Box 190198, Dallas, Tex. 75219-0198. These computers operate fromcomputer chips which provide more than 100 separate built-in programsfor performing arithmetic and data processing functions. The chips arerapidly becoming more diverse and the capacity of keyboards to handlemore functions in hand held computers is limited.

Keyboard U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,958--July 1, 1975 to C. C. Tung isexemplary of the trend in keyboards. The objective is to reduce thenumber of computer keyboard keys and 35 keys are used. Prefix keys(gold - f and blue - g) are used for establishing an execution selectionmode to permit the keyboard to select different function modes therebypermitting some keys to serve different purposes. This extends the rangeof a 39 key keyboard available in a Hewlett Packard Model 15C computerto make accessible more of the built-in operating function and programmodes, namely 96, which is undoubtedly far less than the numberavailable on computer chips in the present state of the art. Thus,access to the full capacities of the chips is not feasible with theprior art keyboards, and a relatively large number of keys is stillrequired.

Furthermore, with the 39 keys, as illustrative of the trend to morepowerful chips, in a hand held computer the keys have to be placed soclose together that it is difficult to make choices manually withoutfingering a wrong key. Also a sequence of reasoned selections must bemade on prior art keyboards that introduces many opportunities forpotential error into the key selection process. For example, in thereferenced patent, a key must be found with a desired function, thecolor noted and then a prefix color key actuated on a different part ofthe keyboard before returning to the selected function. With keys spacedby the order of one centimeter apart and a human finger of the breadthof about two centimeters, there is little room, which breeds errors.

Also, if the technique is adopted for larger keyboards it is verydifficult to learn a "touch" selection system because of the largenumber of keys and awkward finger positions. It would certainly bedesirable therefore to confine the keyboard reach to fall more into linewith that of the number entry keys conventional in simple calculatorsused by accountants and the like.

It is therefore a general object of this invention to improve the stateof the art in computer keyboards by correction of the foregoing priorart deficiencies. Other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be found throughout the following description and claimsand in the accompanying drawing.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

This invention makes possible the complete control of data entry andcomputer instruction in a powerful modern computer to select as many as133 different built-in execution functions from as few as twelve keyswhich include ten decimal digit keys 0 to 9 and a decimal point key.Thus only one execute control key sets up an execution selection mode sothat two sequentially following keystrokes of the twelve keys canprovide the 133 selections. With three sequential keystrokes 1,453selections can be provided.

Reduction of the total number of keys and direct elimination of one keyis made possible by dual use of the decimal point key. This is feasiblebecause no numerical word has more than one decimal point. Thus, thesecond occurrence of a decimal point keystroke in a word changes thedata entry mode, in which the digits of the word are sequentiallyentered by stroking the digit keys, to establish a computer mode formanipulating that word. Thus, for example, if the computer uses the(RPN) Reverse Polish Notation mode of calculation instead of thearithmetic conventional mode, the second decimal point keystroke willserve to enter the word as an operand into an appropriate computerregister to replace the "enter" key. In the conventional arithmetic modethe second decimal point keystroke will replace the "=" key to initiatethe preselected calculation such as add, subtract, divide or multiply.

The reduction of the total number of keys follows from the use of anexecution (XQ) control key to change the computer operation from a dataentry mode to a function select mode which activates the keyboard fordesignating the data manipulation command to be executed by thecomputer. When the designation of the command is controlled by twosequential keystrokes, the selection of computer command steps isincreased to 133 with the twelve keys, as contrasted with thehereinbeforementioned prior art use of 39 keys for 96 command steps. Invery simple calculators or in certain modes, the present inventionpermits the command to be controlled by 2 sequential keystrokes in whichcase the functions selectable are at least 133 for twelve keys.Alternatively in more sophisticated computers the number of functionsselectable increases to 1,453 if three sequential keystrokes areacceptable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred keyboard configuration afforded bythis invention permitting twelve keys to enter data and select 133computer command steps;

FIG. 2 is a schematic data flow chart of the operational control systemof the invention using two control keys, namely the execute key (XQ) andthe decimal point key to control the computer operation modes; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic data flow chart of the operational control systemof the invention operable in the arithmetic conventional mode ofoperation.

THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The exemplary computer keyboard 15 in FIG. 1 has a temporary electronicdisplay panel 16, a set of twelve keys 17 and a graphic chart 18accompanying the keyboard and charting by appropriate abbreviations 133computer execution steps available in the execution selection mode ofthe computer with this set of twelve keys. First consider only theprimary notation on the keys identified by the large bold symbols. Thesetwelve keys include the decimal digit entry keys 0 to 9 for sequentiallyintroducing decimal digits to form a multi-digit word and a decimalpoint key for inserting in the proper place in the sequence of digitsthe decimal point. The additional key with the notation XQ is a controlkey for initiating the execution of the various functions of thecomputer charted on the chart 18.

The arrow notation on the decimal point key signifies that the key alsoserves as a data (word) entry key. Thus a numeric word only has onedecimal point. Accordingly, the second decimal point keystroke in asingle word serves to enter the word as an operand into an appropriatecomputer register. If that be followed by another word and an XQkeystroke terminating that word, then the data manipulation step to beperformed on that word may be selected by two sequential furtherkeystrokes of selected ones of the keys. This embodiment follows the(RPN) reverse polish notation mode of operation.

The notation at the lower right hand corner of the keys may now beconsidered. For example, the zero key has a - symbol and the decimalpoint key a + symbol. These signify subtraction and additionrespectively. Thus to effect one of these computer functions upon thetwo previous words entered the keys are stroked twice, namely 00 forsubtraction and .. for addition. By similar action any one of thecharted functions can be selected for execution.

It will be noted that if the computer is put into the ADD mode byexecuting XQ8 then the stroking of the decimal point a second timedirectly adds the keyed in number to the previous total shown in thedisplay. In the ADD mode then, the functions shown in the lower righthand corner of the keys may be accessed by a single stroke of theappropriate key following the stroking of the XQ key.

Example: Go to the ADD MODE:

    ______________________________________                                         ○XQ   ○XQ   ○8                                                           ADD appears in the display.                                  ______________________________________                                    

Then to add numbers 15.75+16.98+20.32 the keystrokes are as followsassuming the display has been cleared

    ______________________________________                                         ○XQ   ○XQ   ○6   ○.                                                    DISPLAY : 0.00                                                                On the second stroke                                                          in this mode the                                                              decimal key becomes                                                           a + key, in the ADD                                                           MODE only.                                               ○1   ○5   ○.   ○7   ○5   ○+                              DISPLAY : 15.75                                          ○1   ○6   ○.   ○9   ○8   ○+                              DISPLAY : 32.73                                          ○2   ○0   ○.   ○3   ○2   ○+                              DISPLAY : 53.05                                         ______________________________________                                    

Now if 3.58 is to be subtracted from the displayed total simply stroke:

    ______________________________________                                         ○3   ○.   ○5   ○8   ○XQ   ○0-                             DISPLAY : 49.47                                        ______________________________________                                    

If while in the ADD mode 15% of the displayed number is required simplystroke:

    ______________________________________                                         ○1   ○5   ○XQ   ○9                                                   DISPLAY : 7.4205                                          ______________________________________                                    

In addition to the example shown we have another mode for use primarilyby the touch system 12-key keyboard and that mode is the $/¢ mode ○XQ○XQ ○7 . In the $¢ mode the computer "knows" where the decimal point hasto be and therefore the first stroking of the decimal point keyautomatically adds the number and points off the pennies. For example,in the ADD mode and in the $/¢ mode, to add a column of figures theoperator need only enter the pennies i.e. 2539 ($25.39) and on the firststroke of the decimal point key the number is added, this saves allstroking of the decimal key, as a decimal point, which has now become aplus key.

Review of the chart 18 shows that for each key, such as 1, there is alisting of eleven functions which can be selected by initial selectionof the primary key and thereafter a secondary key. (If the execute keyis not to be used as a clear key for a partially entered functionselection, then this listing of eleven could in fact be twelve.) Thus,1-1 selects the multiply (X) function, whereas 1-6 selects RAD mode, 1-5selects DEG mode, etc. The XQ key thus serves as a clear entry (CLE)key. In general the more frequently used functions are selectable by thedouble stroke of the same key after the XQ key initiates the functionselect mode.

It is to be noted that computer chips now available in the art havebuilt-in accessible program steps corresponding to those set forth inchart 18 plus many more. As set forth hereinafter, the techniques ofthis invention are simple and within the standard scope of operationprocedures now commonly used in the art.

The flow diagram of FIG. 2 shows the simple changes made to a computerto initiate the advantageous features of this invention. Thus, the logicchoice block 20 detects the second occurrence of a decimal point withina number or word. In response thereto the mode is changed from normalentry of the decimal point to the data entry mode for sending the wordinto an appropriate register as an operand, as indicated by block 21. Ineither case the computer is returned to the data entry mode for a nextkey selection 22. It is clear therefore that the usually necessaryseparate "entry" key is no longer needed because of this noveloperational technique. The second occurrence of the decimal point instandard computers is ignored.

In order to minimize keyboard keys and operate the computer to select133 programs in a program selection mode by means of only twelve keys,the execute (XQ) key also is provided with a special operation mode. Itserves to terminate a word going into the main computer arithmeticregister and establish the program selection mode designated by block23. In this mode the twelve keys are activated for a two keystrokeselection designated at 23, by which the desired one of the 133 programson chart 18 hereinbefore discussed is selected. Upon function executionthe computer produces a result on the electronic display panel 16 inFIG. 1, and in its normal manner returns to the data entry mode for thenext problem or instruction.

The further notation A, B, etc. in the lower left key corner representslabels for storing and running programs, actuated by the LBL mode 7-8.

To implement this invention, I use computer functions available and wellknown in the art as set forth in the aforesaid Tung patent and computermodel which is capable of selecting 96 functions with 39 keys. Thus, itis known to use the keys for dual purposes. That is these prior artcomputers use a key operable as applicant's XQ key to activate thekeyboard for a program selection step. Many operations in the selectionof programs routinely require two steps for a selection such as requiredfor a program clear function when operating in a program mode with thehereinbefore identified computer. Thus, the provision of the twokeystroke selection of a program step is a routine matter.

Similarly the logical choices of the type used in the decimal pointselection (20) process of this invention is routinely implemented. Theusual computer simply ignores the second decimal point selection in aword and does nothing. This is changed to an active keystroke functionin accordance with this invention to correspond to the same function asthe replaced no longer needed "enter" key. In the ADD mode as shownbefore, the decimal point key can act as a plus key.

In all other respects the computer may have the same modes of operation,including the user, program, imaginary number modes, etc. that areavailable on standard computer chips now available. It is thereforeclear that applicant has unexpectedly and simply converted a computeroperation mode and accompanying keyboard into a system and operatingmode that permits many more computer functions per key to be realizedthan heretofore believed possible. By reducing the number of keys notonly are circuitry and cost reductions effected, but the keyboardbecomes much easier to use according to the touch system as mentionedbefore. I estimate that entering programs into a computer using a touchsystem keyboard, that the speed of program entry can be improved by afactor of 3.

The FIG. 3 embodiment illustrates a slightly modified system thatincorporates the same advantages and keyboard efficiency ratio with thestandard arithmetic notation. In this notation a problem is worked in aconventional manner such as A plus B equals x. This requires a functionto be designated between two words and an "equal" key to execute thecalled for function.

Thus the decimal point key replaces the "equal" key in the same manneras hereinbefore described with the presence of a second decimal point inthe second word (B), as signified by block 20. However, this serves toinitiate the data manipulation operation in accordance with a previouslyselected function as designated by block 28. The XQ key operates in themanner of FIG. 2.

In many arithmetic calculators, the frequently used

calculations ÷, ×, -, + are directly actuable with a single keystroke.In this respect four extra keys are provided in a sixteen key keyboardand the block 29 designates their conventional mode of operation inselecting from live +, -, ×, ÷ keys the appropriately designatedcalculating function or mode of operation.

Note that with sixteen keys on the keyboard the total number offunctions selectable would be 16×15+1=241 using a 2 key commandsequence. That is each key could designate fifteen execution choices tobe made by the second keystroke and the chart corresponding to 18 inFIG. 1 could be accordingly expanded. This is highly desirable wherefuller capacities of the computer chip built-in program step potentialare to be realized.

It is now to be recognized that in accordance with this invention, theart has been advanced by making more of the built-in computer chipoperations accessible to the keyboard than heretofore deemed feasible.Also surprisingly it is achieved by use of fewer keys than employed inprior art attempts to expand computer keyboard selection capabilities tokeep up with the rapid advance of the computer chip capabilities.

The techniques of this invention are particularly adapted to hand-heldpocket carried computers. When keyboards have many keys it is difficultto go through the programming and data entry steps with keys closelylocated together without error in actuation of a wrong key. There simplyis not ample room on the keyboard for appropriate finger space. Atypical key spacing of 1.15 cm is not compatible with the typical 1.9 cmwidth of a male fingertip. However, by use of this invention a sixteenkey embodiment in a small handheld pocket size computer of 7.5 cm by 12cm may have 2 cm spacing between horizontal key locations and 2.4 cmspacing between vertical key locations. In this manner the computer maybe used without the probability of so many entry errors and with lesscare and caution in the keyboard entry procedure. In addition 16 keysare far more likely to have their positions learned by rote than wouldcalculators having 35 or more keys. Therefore significant time should besaved in eliminating key-hunting.

A further significant advantage of this invention is in the graphicchart which carries on the computer keyboard the repertoire of programexecution steps that are available. Rarely is an operation manualcarried along with the computer. It would take up more room than thecomputer in most cases of the prior art because of the necessity toexplain all the program variations not evident from the keyboard, etc.However, with this invention, after becoming acquainted with the basicoperating rules, the large range of computer capabilities is madeavailable right at the keyboard for reference. The keyboard thereforebecomes substantially self-explanatory and as a reminder of thecapability of the computer without having to reference the instructionmanual.

Having therefore advanced the state of the art, those novel features ofthe invention believed descriptive of the spirit and nature of theinvention are defined with particularity in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A computer for performing a plurality of calculations withfew keyboard keys on a keyboard having a register for retainingnumerical digits of a numerical word, numerical digit entry keys and adecimal point key, said computer being of the type having a numericalentry mode for entering in sequence a set of numerical digits to form anumerical word and characterized by means employing the decimal pointkey as a control key for terminating and entering the numerical wordinto said register of the computer by establishing a mode of operationof the decimal point key in response to means detecting the secondoccurrence of a decimal point keystroke by said decimal point key withina word to initiate a control mode for entering that word into thecomputer register.
 2. A computer as defined in claim 1 furthercomprising a control key operably connected to control means forterminating a data entry mode and activating the keyboard for a functionselect mode, wherein the keyboard keys designate to the control meansfunctional commands to be executed for activating the keyboard keysincluding the decimal point key to operate in the function select modeto initiate arithmetic calculations and data command functions on saidword in the computer.
 3. A computer as defined in claim 1 with saidkeyboard consisting of twelve keys comprising ten said digit entry keys0 to 9, said decimal point key and a further control key, comprisingmeans operably connected to the further control key for terminating thenumerical entry mode and activating the keyboard for a program selectionmode wherein the keyboard designates to the computer functional commandsto be executed.
 4. A computer as defined in claim 3 wherein said controlkey operates computer means for establishing said program selection moderesponsive to select a specified one of a large number of executionselections of the order of 144 by sequential designation of twokeystrokes on the keyboard to designate the next data manipulationcommand when in the program selection mode.
 5. A computer as defined inclaim 4 including a graphic chart accompanying the keyboard charting theavailable execution selections in the program selection mode byreference to the specific two keystroke sequence for designation of anexecution step.
 6. A computer as defined in claim 1 having means tochange the numerical entry mode to an add mode of operation accessibleby stroking keys on said keyboard with the keyboard arranged to convertthe numerical entry mode of operation in response to the secondoccurrence of the decimal key in a word to an add function.
 7. Acomputer as defined in claim 1 having control means operable in thenumerical entry mode by a further arithmetic key to select an arithmeticmode operable on at least two successive numerical words entered intothe computer, and means responsive to the decimal key in the arithmeticmode in response to a single stroke to produce a numerical wordresulting from the arithmetic operation on two successive numericalwords entered into the computer.